Here's Chapter 14. And I decided not to make them have a romantic contract, because I felt like it was too... cheesy. Besides, I kind of prefer this darker take on the story. And I guess I should keep the originals. Some may prefer the more darker version, but I know that there are others who prefer the lighter version. Anyways, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Beelzebub belongs to Ryuuhei Tamura, not me.

Chapter 14- This Strange Feeling

(Yumi)

Hecadoth and I stand at opposite ends of the training room in fighting stances, a spear in his hands, a steel fan in mine. We stare intensely at each other, ready to fight. "Whenever you're ready," I tell him. As I say that, I concentrate and rid my mind of all emotional conflicts and soon, I'm surrounded by demonic energy. In my head, I imagine the steady building up of the beat of taiko drums, getting my blood rushing through my veins and my adrenaline pumped.

He nods. Right then, he starts moving, a blur of black demonic energy, his spear glinting cruelly. Well-prepared, I swiftly avoid his attack and deflect his spear with my fan. As we fight, I imagine the now intense part of the taiko drumming and I use the rhythm to help me steady myself and deliver my attacks with precision and correct timing.

This time, our fight is more intense than other sessions have been, more precise and swift. Hecadoth isn't showing any mercy at all so I'm responding in the same manner without holding back. I hastily bend backwards as he jabs at my face before doing a quick roll over.

The fight continues on for a while, both of us unrelenting, but right then, Hecadoth knocks my fan out of my hands, leaving me to use hand-to-hand combat. However, as he swipes down at me with his spear, I do a quick backflip (thanks to the brief gymnastics I learned) and I swiftly use a tendril of demonic energy to knock his spear right out of his hands.

We start fighting with hand-to-hand combat this time, still unrelenting. Eventually, I finally deliver a roundhouse kick through his blind spot, knocking him down. He looks surprised for a moment before an impressed smile crosses his face. "Good match," he praises. "You're really an excellent opponent."

I smile, feeling my face heat up at the praise. "Thanks," I thank him. "It was a good match."

"You've definitely improved," Hecadoth tells me. "Not just your skills, but your attitude as well. You seem less conflicted and more confident now."

My face heats up when hearing the praise. In fact, now that I'm getting a good look at him, I can see more of the bishounen allure in him. In addition, his voice is actually quite charming and suave… when he's not snarling or shouting at someone.

Wait, Yumi! What're you thinking?! Why are you thinking such thoughts about him?! Reality comes back to me, and I realize that I'm mentally checking him out! "No, Yumi, you can't think like that…" I mumble to myself.

"Did you say something?" Hecadoth asks me.

My eyes widen. Did I just say that out loud? I shake my head quickly. "N-No, i-i-it's n-nothing…" I stammer hastily. Damn, I've never lost composure before. What the hell's happening to me?!

"Oi, did you hear what I just said?" Hecadoth suddenly asks me.

"Eh?"

"We're going back to the Human World soon," he tells me. "So go shower and get changed."

Tonight, we have finished training, and we're actually going to be leaving soon. My training is all complete and I've progressed pretty well, actually. Another thing that has progressed well are my interactions with Hecadoth. He makes me feel so many different emotions at once, emotions I have never felt before, and it's so confusing!

Not to mention, every time I'm near him, my emotions are out of control and my heart starts beating faster. However, if anything, he makes me happy. I enjoy his company, especially when he's not glaring and holding his spear up, ready to murder someone. In fact, when he's not so menacing and intimidating, he's actually very nice and he cares about those who are close to him.

I'm so busy pondering over these feelings that I fail to notice Hecadoth approaching me as I stand in the watchtower, admiring the view one last time. "Yumi," he says.

"Y-Yeah?" I ask, turning to look at him. He's changed out of his training clothes into his Pillar General uniform, and likewise, I'm now wearing a black dress instead of my training clothes.

He smiles as he comes to stand next to me. "Nice view, isn't it?" he comments.

I nod. "It is," I murmur. "Who would've thought the Demon World could be so… beautiful?"

A wry smile crosses his face. "Well, that's the first time I've heard someone calling the Demon World beautiful," he chuckles. "Anyways, Yumi, I have something for you."

"What is it?" I ask.

Hecadoth hands me an iron fan. "For self-defense," he tells me. "But that's not all." I watch as he suddenly pulls a small dagger from the bottom of the fan.

"Whoa…" I trail off.

"If you ever find yourself fighting an opponent with a bladed weapon, this fan has a dagger that can be used as a secondary weapon," he explains.

I smile at him. "You didn't have to, Hecadoth," I tell him. "But thank you."

"I did it because I wanted to," he tells me, lowering his eyes. "And because… damn, how do I say this?"

I feel my heart beating faster when he gently takes my hands. However, he doesn't say anything. Instead, he just looks at me nervously. "H-Hecadoth…?" I ask softly. Right then, I feel his hands gently caress my face before he suddenly leans in and presses his lips against mine in a soft, genuine, sincere kiss.

Though I'm taken back in surprise, my eyes slowly close and I kiss him back just as gently. I wrap my arms around him, losing myself in the kiss. He slowly pulls away and we stare at each other. I feel my face heating up as I realize that Hecadoth… just kissed… me…

"You make me feel different, Yumi," he tells me. "In a good way. You intrigue me so much, and I really like that. I like how I want to find out more about you, how I want to discover more about you. I want to know what your goals are, what you love, what matters to you."

I'm surprised by this confession. Yes, I have had dreams about falling in love and hearing a guy tell me that he loves me. However, this confession is sincere and genuine and it makes me… happy. Happy to know that there's someone who wants to know more about me, who wants to know me. So… is this what it feels like? Is this what they call… love? I smile softly. I feel so… happy…

"Thank you," I murmur, moving closer and hugging him.

"No matter what happens, I'll always be there for you," Hecadoth promises me, moving a strand of hair away from my face. "We'll face the Kagirinai Kumori together."

I smile at him. "We should go home now," I say.

"Yeah, let's go."